Vietnam's economy remains resilient amid weaker external environment

Viet Nam’s economy is forecast to maintain healthy growth in 2019 and 2020 at 6.8% and 6.7%, respectively, after growing robustly at 7.1% last year, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in an update of its flagship annual economic publication launched today.

In the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2019 Update, ADB noted that while Viet Nam’s gross domestic product growth moderated in the first half of 2019, it will remain resilient this year and next year despite a weaker external environment. Inflation forecasts are revised down to 3.0% from 3.5% for 2019 and 3.5% from 3.8% for 2020.

Trends in the first half of the year support ADO 2019 forecasts for moderate deceleration this year and next following exceptionally high growth in 2018. However, inflation is now projected to slow in 2019, and the projection for 2020 is also revised down. The current account surplus is now forecast to narrow in both years more than projected in April. Despite a slowdown in exports, the economy remains broadly healthy thanks to resilient domestic demand and sustained inflows of foreign direct investment.

“Despite a slowdown in export growth due to the escalation of the trade conflict between the United States (US) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the consequent downturn in global trade, the economy remains healthy thanks to continued strength in domestic demand and sustained inflows of foreign direct investment,” said ADB Country Director for Viet Nam Mr. Eric Sidgwick. “Prospects for domestic consumption continues to be positive, supported by rising incomes, buoyant employment, and moderate inflation.”

The recent signing of a free trade agreement with the European Union promises to further open market access for trade and investment, as does the regional Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. A recent amendment to the Public Investment Law should improve public investment by accelerating processes, simplifying procedures, and enabling faster disbursement of public investment.

While retaining the growth outlook for Viet Nam for this year and the next, the report highlighted significant risks to the forecast. Further escalation of the US–PRC trade tension and continuing global economic slowdown could shrink global trade, which will adversely impact the country’s trade performance and economic growth.

PSNews

Other News

Data-driven land valuation to curb speculation: Experts

Data-driven land valuation to curb speculation: Experts

From a property-market perspective, Do Thi Thu Giang, National Director of Valuation and Advisory at Savills Vietnam, said the orientations under Resolution No. 21-NQ/TW could make the market more transparent and efficient, with property values increasingly tied to actual development and use potential.

Resolution No. 19-NQ/TW sets new growth drivers for Vietnam

Resolution No. 19-NQ/TW sets new growth drivers for Vietnam

Science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and AI must be translated into higher productivity rather than pursued as ends in themselves. At the same time, people should be placed at the centre of development, not merely viewed as a resource but as the ultimate objective of development policies.

Expo to open door for Vietnamese suppliers to enter US market

Expo to open door for Vietnamese suppliers to enter US market

US retail giant Target is seeking Vietnamese suppliers of household goods, home textiles, children’s products, personal care and beauty products, with a focus on companies capable of manufacturing and developing products that meet requirements on quality, design and supply chain management.

2026 Banking Sector Digital Transformation to open in Hanoi

2026 Banking Sector Digital Transformation to open in Hanoi

The annual event, which will be held on August 18-19, 2026, at the ICE International Exhibition Centre, 91 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hanoi, is expected to attract around 324 delegates and feature 21 booths representing credit institutions, payment intermediary service providers, and technology companies.

Vietnam – one of most attractive destinations for leading US semiconductor companies: expert

Vietnam – one of most attractive destinations for leading US semiconductor companies: expert

Vietnam has built a solid semiconductor and electronics industry before joining ITSI, attracting major US semiconductor companies. Intel Products Vietnam is one of Intel's largest assembly and testing facilities worldwide, while chip design companies such as Synopsys, Cadence, Marvell and Qualcomm have established engineering and research centres in the Southeast Asian country.

Vietnam targets higher-quality FDI under Resolution 10

Vietnam targets higher-quality FDI under Resolution 10

During the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam attracted more than 38 billion USD in registered FDI, up nearly 58% year-on-year. More importantly, the increase was driven by large-scale, high-tech projects rather than a surge in the number of new investments, signalling a significant improvement in the quality of capital inflows.

Manufacturing, engineering drive hiring growth in H1: report

Manufacturing, engineering drive hiring growth in H1: report

Manufacturing and engineering posted the strongest recruitment growth, with hiring demand surging 70% year-on-year, driven by production expansion, supply chain restructuring and sustained investment inflows in high-tech manufacturing.

Government proposes special mechanisms to unblock APEC 2027 projects in Phu Quoc

Government proposes special mechanisms to unblock APEC 2027 projects in Phu Quoc

The projects in Phu Quoc have been implemented under tight deadlines. Since May 2025, the Prime Minister has directed preparations for APEC 2027, including accelerated infrastructure development on the special zone. An Giang province and investors have subsequently launched a number of major projects involving complex technical requirements and demanding construction schedules.

Financial market reform plan targets high, sustained growth through 2045

Financial market reform plan targets high, sustained growth through 2045

The plan seeks to develop a balanced and modern financial market that is closely integrated with regional and global markets, strengthens the mobilisation and allocation of domestic and foreign capital, and enhances the market’s role as a key provider of medium- and long-term capital for the economy and as a major driver of sustained high economic growth.

An Giang aims to become leading maritime economic hub

An Giang aims to become leading maritime economic hub

Under the province's master plan for 2021–2030 with a vision to 2050, An Giang will prioritise investment in five strategic sectors: strategic infrastructure; processing industries and clean energy; trade, services, logistics and border-gate economy; high-quality tourism; and high-tech agriculture, ecological development and the circular economy.